Annual Autism Society Benefit Expands Into Art & Music Festival

WAUSEON, OHIO – An annual event that features Toledo’s best bands and benefits the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio is getting a whole new look this year.

The Spectrum Music and Arts Festival, or “Spectrum Fest”, presented by Farmers & Merchants State Bank, is a new, improved version of the fundraiser that was known as “Rock for Autism” for the past five years. Once an evening benefit concert, the event is being expanded into an all-day, full-fledged art and music festival, taking place Saturday, June 4, 2016, beginning at noon, according to organizer Derek Friess. The event also has a new location: Sullivan’s Restaurant in Wauseon.

Once again, the concert will be headlined by Match City (featuring Calen Savidge, Joe Woods, and Frank May), and feature Nick Neenan and Breaking Ground, along with some new additions: Amelia Airharts, Brian Bocian, plus children’s music performed by Calen Savidge. The live music will begin at 2 pm, beginning with Calen Savidge’s children’s concert, and end with Match City taking the stage around 9:30 pm and playing until 11:30 pm.

Tickets will be $15.00 at the door, or $10.00 if purchased in advance. Tickets will be available at Sullivan’s Restaurant, and online at http://asno.org/spectrum-fest-2016/, and may be available at Farmers & Merchants Bank. Festival attendees will be able to purchase hamburgers and hotdogs outside or enjoy Sullivan’s fare inside.

There is no additional cost (beyond the general admission ticket) for the children’s art classes, but supplies and time are limited so those interested are encouraged to show up early to register. Adult “wine and canvas” painting lessons, running from 4 to 6 pm, and 6:30 to 8:30 pm will be taught by Sarah Friess, art teacher and owner of Brushstrokes by B. The $30 fee for the adult class includes a canvas, paint, appetizers, and a glass of wine.

One-hundred percent of the profits will go to the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio to help provide support, education, advocacy, and services to those affected by autism in 12 northwest Ohio counties.